Call for extra £20 a week for carers

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Powys County Council is calling for the Carers Allowance to be raised by £20 a week, part of a precedent that could position the authority as the “Marcus Rashford for carers”, according to the cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Myfanwy Alexander.

A motion put forward by Liberal Democrat, Cllr Jackie Charlton, to “Stand up for Carers” was approved at a Full Council meeting yesterday (Thursday), and the council will now lobby Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to consider the increase.

Cllr Charlton said: “It  demonstrates how much we value carers. At the end of 2019 in Powys there were approximately 2,627 carers entitled to Carers Allowance, 1,563 received the allowance.”

This means that 1,064 Powys residents don’t claim the £67.25 weekly allowance.

Cllr Charlton explained that unpaid carers save the Welsh Government at least £8 billion per year when comparing the hours they work, and how much paid carers could earn in the same time frame.

Portfolio holder for Adult Social Care, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, said that she supported the motion in principle, but raised a number of concerns including the lack of a mention of Credu – the Powys Carers Service.

Cllr Alexander, said: “The motion does not acknowledge the stated needs of carers except for cash allowances. A recent survey in Powys ranked the concerns of carers in order of importance and benefits was eighth on the list.

“I would like a motion which includes a comprehensive package for carers. My suggestion is that I work with Cllrs Charlton, Powell and Durrant, together with representatives of carers, so we can create a motion which reflects completely the situation of carers in Powys.”

She believed this could be a starting point of a campaign to support carers.

“It would make people throughout Britain take notice of us so that we could become the Marcus Rashford for carers,” said Cllr Alexander.

Finance portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies, wondered whether the amendment “could be taken off the table” for further work to be done.

Peter Roberts said: “There was plenty of opportunity from the publication of this motion for Cllr Myfanwy (Alexander) to work with others to bring forward an amendment.”

Cllr Powell, in winding up the debate, highlighted that 13 councillors had left the meeting, having declared an interest due to some form of caring role.

“I regret the fact that we’re missing their experience because in many ways they are the people who would have the most relevant comments,” said Cllr Powell.

Mr Rashford has become a prominent figure following his successful campaign through the pandemic for authorities to ensure that the most impoversished children are fed throughout the pandemic.

The first part of the motion: “We must stand up for carers, do more to support them, and build a more caring society as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic,” this was approved with 45 votes for, one vote against and one abstention.

The second part said: “Write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, urging them to raise Carer’s Allowance by £20 a week immediately, in line with the increase in Universal Credit, ” this was approved by 29 votes for, 13 against and eight abstentions.

The third part said: “Council resolves to put out a general communication to unpaid carers, third sector organisations and community councils to encourage carers to claim Carers Allowance, and was approved by 45 votes for, three against and three abstentions.

This final part said: “Ensure that Powys County Council continues to do all it can to Stand up for Carers, was approved by 49 votes for, two against and one abstention.